Happy first father's day

Happy father's day Maddy.

I know most people think it is supposed to be you saying that to me, but it's you who has done all the heavy lifting so far. From the first few minutes of your life when you were struggling to even breathe to this morning - 13 weeks later - when you called out to your mum for your morning feed, all I have done is watch in awe.

Frankly, I don't feel like I deserve a new title, let alone any sort of reward. It is a fact that I am your father, but you are the one who deserves recognition today. Don't get me wrong, you're not all that special: there's more than 6 billion people around at the moment so I don't want you growing up feeling particularly entitled. But for the difficult and painful journey upon which you are now on, at my discretion, I hereby make father's day a day to celebrate you.

You're going to fall down and scrape your knees as you make your way along the path, but each time I want you to stand up and remember that if I'm not there to wipe your tears, I wanted to be.

I pray that you will always go forward my dear Madison, in whatever direction your heart takes you. My wish for you is that you travel without fear of judgement from others and always take pride in your own honor.

Happy first father's day, thank you for being the one to bestow that title upon me. You are a delight.